The Federal Government has allocated ₦100 billion in the proposed 2025 budget for the installation of solar mini-grids across selected federal universities, teaching hospitals, and government institutions, pending approval by the National Assembly.
Abba Aliyu, Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), confirmed the initiative, which is part of the National Public Sector Solarisation Initiative under the Federal Ministry of Power. The program aims to reduce energy costs in public institutions.
“N₦100 billion has been earmarked for this project, and we intend to use the funds to solarize public institutions nationwide,” Aliyu said on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Tuesday.
Aliyu explained that, following a review of energy expenditures on diesel and generators in public institutions, the government chose solar power as a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative.
Upon approval of the budget by President Bola Tinubu, the REA will begin implementation, with institutions such as the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, and the University of Lagos (UNILAG) among the first beneficiaries.
“We are looking to begin with five institutions, including the University of Ibadan and its teaching hospital, Obafemi Awolowo University, University of Nigeria Nsukka, and Ahmadu Bello University,” he said.
This announcement comes after University of Ibadan students protested a prolonged power outage at UCH, prompting Power Minister Adebayo Adelabu to promise that electricity would be restored.
Aliyu also revealed that the REA plans to deploy 60 mini-grids and initiate 40 interconnect grids within six months. Several universities and teaching hospitals have already benefitted from similar solar projects.
“We recently completed interventions in seven universities and two teaching hospitals, where we installed hybrid mini-grids to provide reliable, cost-effective 24-hour electricity,” he added.
The new phase, which includes eight universities and one teaching hospital, is expected to begin commissioning by April 2025.
